₩10,000 Jeyuk-bokkeum, Half Price?…Government's "Lunch Support for Workers" Initiative Sparks 'Pros and Cons' Debate
"These days, even pork bulgogi and jeyuk-bokkeum cost over ₩10,000."
Amidst the soaring lunch prices causing deep sighs among office workers, the government's announcement to promote the **'Hearty Lunch for Workers' project** as early as next year has garnered significant attention. The plan is for the government, local authorities, and companies to jointly support workers so they can eat a ₩10,000 lunch for ₩4,000 to ₩7,000. However, this policy is facing a fierce debate between expectations of it being a "timely livelihood policy like rain in a drought" and concerns that it is a "populist policy using taxes to pay for lunches and will only fuel inflation."
1. Overview of the Issue: What is the 'Hearty Lunch for Workers' Project?
The 'Hearty Lunch for Workers' project was proposed by Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok on the 13th and is being actively promoted with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reporting specific plans.
- Core Content: Reducing the lunch expenses of workers by approximately ₩3,000 to ₩6,000.
- Support Method: It is a three-party burden structure where the government, local authorities, and the worker's affiliated company each **contribute ₩1,000 to ₩2,000**, allowing workers to eat lunch at a much lower price.
- Initial Target: Initially, a pilot program targeting **workers in local industrial complexes** is being considered.
- Policy Philosophy: Nominee Kim Min-seok explained that this project is the final piece of the **'National Meal Solution 3-Piece Set'**, following the existing **'₩1,000 Breakfast for University Students' and '5-Day Lunch for Senior Centers'**, showing strong determination for policy promotion.
2. Proponents: "A Livelihood Policy That Solves People's Lives and Meals"
Those who view this policy positively evaluate it as a timely livelihood policy that can directly alleviate the suffering of office workers experiencing 'lunchflation'. In particular, it has the advantage of improving the working environment for small and medium-sized enterprises or industrial complex workers who do not have cafeterias, and contributing to the revitalization of local commercial areas by increasing sales of designated local restaurants.
3. Opponents: Concerns About 'Populist Policy' and 'Inflation'
However, there are also considerable criticisms.
- Populist Policy Controversy: A fundamental question is raised: "Is it truly appropriate to support office workers' lunch expenses with taxes?" In particular, there is significant criticism that it is a 'populist policy' aimed at gaining votes ahead of next year's local elections.
- Inflation Side Effect Concerns: The sharpest criticism is that this policy could actually **fuel inflation**. Online communities are filled with concerns like **"Support provided → Restaurants raise prices by that amount → Ultimately, only prices rise."** It is argued that government subsidies might only benefit restaurant owners, with minimal actual benefits for office workers.
Office Workers' Lunch Expenses, What Are Your Thoughts?
The 'Hearty Lunch for Workers' project is certainly an appealing proposal for many office workers. However, it is accompanied by concerns about the fairness of tax expenditure and the potential 'side effects' of inflation.
- What do you think of the government's 'lunch support for workers' policy? Are you for or against it?
- If this policy is implemented, will it genuinely alleviate the burden on office workers? Or will it lead to price increases in restaurants and inflation, as feared?
- If this policy were to be supplemented, what aspects should be added to make it a better policy? Please share your ideas.
This policy, which could start as early as next year, will be interesting to watch as discussions continue to unfold.